Article by Abhishek Singla (14 January 2011)
Today is Makar Sankranti, one of the most celebrated festivals among Hindus. I am really surprised to see Google with a doodle on this auspicious occasion. I clicked on the doodle and linked to the Wikipedia page of Makar Sankranti. I read the page, found really structured and knowledgeable information. Wikipedia tells about the significance, traditions and celebrations associated with Makar Sankranti, but doesn’t give any idea about the different forms of Surya (Sun) across the different Maas (Months). So, I am sharing some interesting facts about Surya, I read in Bhagvat Purana.
According to Hindu Puranas, there are 12 different forms of Surya, active in 12 different months (I am referring the months of Hindu calendar). Surya keeps on travelling across the universe on his seven-horse chariot with his 6 Ganas (attendants). These seven horses represent the seven colours of the rainbow.
6 Ganas of Surya are:
Rishis (Sages)
Gandharvas (Skilled singers)
Apsaras (Beautiful dancing women)
Sarps /Nagas (Snakes)
Yakshas (Ghosts)
Rakshasas (Devils)
Different persons represent these 6 Ganas along with different forms of Surya. All these 6 Ganas travel along with Surya.
Different tasks are assigned to each of the Ganas:
Rishis – Recite the chants from vedas regarding Surya
Gandharvas – Sing on the glory of Surya
Apsaras – Dance in front of the chariot of Surya
Sarps/Nagas (Snakes) – Tighten the chariot as ropes
Yakshas (Ghosts) – Decorate the chariot
Rakshasas (Devils) – Push the chariot from behind
Along with the 6 Ganas, 60,000 Brahmarishis named Vaalkhilya keeps on walking along with Surya, reciting the prayers, keeping their faces in front of Surya.
Below is the universal chart of 12 forms of Surya along with his 6 Ganas, associated with 12 months:
Month No. of Days Begins on | Surya | Rishi | Gandharva | Apsara | Sarp | Yaksha | Rakshasa | |
1 | Chaitra 30/31* March 22/21 | Dhaata | Pulastya | Tumbroo | Kritusthali | Vasuki | Rathkrita | Heti |
2 | Vaisakha 31 April 21 | Aryaman | Pulaha | Narada | Punjiksthali | Kachneer | Athoja | Praheti |
3 | Jyaistha 31 May 22 | Mitra | Attri | Haha | Menka | Takshak | Rathsvana | Porusheya |
4 | Ashadha 31 June 22 | Varuna | Vashistha | Huhu | Rambha | Shukra | Sehajanya | Chitrasvana |
5 | Shravana 31 July 23 | Indra | Angiras | Vishwavasu | Pramalocha | Elapatra | Shrota | Varya |
6 | Bhadra 31 August 23 | Vivswana | Bhrigu | Ugrasen | Anumalocha | Shankhpal | Aasaaran | Vyaghra |
7 | Ashvina 30 September 23 | Tvashtha | Jamdagni | Dhritrashtra | Vilottma | Kambal | Shatjita | Brahmanapeta |
8 | Kartika 30 October 23 | Vishnu | Vishwamitra | Suryavarcha | Rambha | Ashwatar | Satyajita | Makhapeta |
9 | Margashirsha 30 November 22 | Anshu | Kashyap | Ritusen | Urvashi | Mahashankh | Taksharya | Vidhuchshatru |
10 | Pausha 30 December 22 | Bhaga | Aayu | Arishtanemi | Purvachitti | Karkotak | Urna | Safurja |
11 | Magha 30 January 21 | Pusha | Gautama | Sushena | Ghritachi | Dhananjaya | Suruchi | Vaat |
12 | Phalguna 30 February 20 | Prajanya | Bharadawaj | Vishwa | Senjita | Eravata | Kritu | Varcha |
* Leap Year
Note: Forgive me if I have made any pronunciation mistake in Hindi names written in English Text.
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